Amal Hospital here, which has been in the news for several weeks now because of the escape of patients from its drug addiction unit, is currently gathering evidence to justify its termination of an accountant on mental health grounds, sources have revealed. The sources said the hospital administration is looking for documents to corroborate its claim that the accountant was mentally ill, thus validating his dismissal. The administration is required to reply to letters from the Mental Health Hospital and the Director of Follow-up in Jeddah Health Affairs in this regard. The administration, sources said, is attempting to persuade its employees to support its stance, but most of them have refused to take sides and have preferred to remain on the sidelines until the investigation is completed. The fired accountant expressed fears that the hospital administration or Jeddah Health Affairs will make him lose his rights. He alleged “people taking sides” in dealing with his case and attempting to involve hospital employees. He stressed that he would not give up his demand for his moral and financial rights. The accountant demanded an apology from the administration for branding him “insane” thus damaging his reputation. “I did no wrong,” he said. “I only uncovered financial irregularities, which is part of my duty.” Available information from inside the hospital indicates that some heads of departments have refused to sign an official complaint against former director Dr. Muhammad Shawoosh, which blames him for the weak curative program and the subsequent deteriorating situation causing the escape of patients from the hospital. Meanwhile, Dr. Ahmad Al-Ghamdi, former Assistant Director of Medical Services in Al-Amal Hospital, who was fired from his post, refused to comment on the reasons for his sacking. He said that all questions in this regard should be directed to the Director of Health Affairs in Jeddah or the director of the hospital.
